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Religious and Political Support for Marriage Equality in Maryland

Political and religious leaders from surprising sources expressed public support for marriage equality last week. A coalition of Baptist and Catholic leaders spoke on Thursday before the General Assembly in Annapolis in favor of marriage equality legislation in Maryland, joining others in an increasing trend towards equality.

Members of the coalition broke ties with the hierarchies within their traditions in order to express support for equal marriage rights for all couples and push for the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, which would legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples while protecting religious freedom. Despite these protections, resistance from religious officials has been strong. But marriage equality advocate Sister Jeannine Gramick of the National Coalition of Nuns said, “The Christian church’s appreciation of the inviolability of religious freedom, its sexual theology and even the meaning of marriage have all changed over time.”

Marriage for gay and lesbian couples took a step forward on Tuesday as the General Assembly heard "personal stories, emotional pleas and arguments about how allowing gay couples to marry could help Maryland's economy," during its seven-hour hearing on marriage, reports The Washington Post.

“This is the year Maryland will once and for all pass legislation to protect all of its individuals and families – from employment to marriage, it is time to treat all our citizens fairly,” said Morgan Meneses-Sheets, Executive Director of Equality Maryland, one of the most prominent organizations working to ensure the bill's passage.

GLAAD has been working closely with Equality Maryland, and will continue to monitor media coverage of marriage developments in the state. We hope to have another update later today including information from yesterday's hearing.

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